Methods of Payment Accepted for Town Clerk's Department Seri vices:

Debits cards are processed as a credit card. The MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express Logo must appear on the card. There are additional charges added to the town amount to cover the cost of the credit card fees - 2.75% with a $1.00 minimum.

Registration:

Every resident of Canaan who has a fixed and permanent domicile in the town, who is a citizen of the United States, and who is 18 years of age may register to vote in the town. A resident is someone who has a domicile in the town on a continuing basis for a significant portion of each year. A person can have only one domicile for the purpose of voting.
Individuals may register to vote at the Town Office on Main Street during office hours. Applications may be made at any time of the year (except 10 days prior to any election).

There are also special registration sessions on Saturday mornings and evening hours on certain dates just prior to an election. These dates are published in the Valley News and posted on the bulletin board at the door of the Town Office. You may also register at the Polls on Election Days.

Information that must be provided for the Voter Registration Card includes name, address (mailing and legal residence), place and date of birth and proof of citizenship. Filling out the voter registration card and signing it involves a solemn oath that the information is true.

Absentee ballots:

Individuals unable to vote in person may request an absentee ballot from the Town Clerk's Office, PO Box 38 Canaan, N.H. 03741. Voters choosing to vote by absentee ballot must sign a request form before obtaining a ballot. Upon receipt of the signed request, an absentee ballot will either be given or mailed (RSA 657:15) to the voter. Once the ballot is completed, the voter must personally deliver during our office hours or mail the ballot (RSA 657:17) to the Town Clerk's office.

Applying for Vital Records or Copies of Vital Records:
Birth, Marriage, Death Certificates

According to NH State Statute, a person making a request for a vital record must be a member of the person's immediate family or have a 'direct and tangible interest' in the record.

**PLEASE NOTE--Effective January 1, 2005, all individuals requesting a certified copy of a record (Pursuant to RSA 5 C-16) must present positive identification, including, but not limited to, a driver's license, passport or other picture identification, or in the absence of acceptable picture identification shall complete the form Documentation Evidence for Individuals not Possessing an Acceptable Picture Identification.

Birth Certificates

Certified copies of vital records for individuals who were born or deceased in Canaan can be purchased at a cost of $15.00 for one copy and $10.00 for each additional copy when ordered at the same time. This fee is payable whether or not a record is found. According to NH State Statute, a person making a request for a vital record must be a member of the person's immediate family or have a 'direct and tangible interest' in the record.
PLEASE NOTE--Effective January 1, 2005 all individuals requesting a certified copy of a record (Pursuant to RSA 5 C-16) must present positive identification, including, but not limited to, a driver's license, passport or other picture identification, or in the absence of acceptable picture identification shall complete the form Documentation Evidence for Individuals not Possessing and Acceptable Picture Identification.

Applying for a Marriage License:

Certified copies of marriage licenses, which were filed for in the Town of Canaan, may be purchased at a cost of $45.00 for one copy and $10.00 for each additional copy when ordered at the same time.

A couple planning to be married in New Hampshire may file for a marriage license from any NH city/town clerk. Both the bride and groom need to appear before the clerk to obtain the license. Proof of age is required--the bride and groom must be at least 18 years of age. Age waivers may be obtained if necessary from Superior or Probate court - contact clerk's office for more details. If either the bride or groom has been previously married, that person must provide a certified copy of a final divorce/annulment decree or the death certificate of the deceased spouse. The fee for the marriage license is $50.00 and the license is good for a period of 90 days.

**Please note--if an out-of-state officiant will be performing the marriage ceremony, that individual needs to contact the Secretary of State's office to obtain a Special License.

Death Certificates

Certified copies of vital records for individuals who were born or deceased in Canaan can be purchased at a cost of $15.00 for one copy and $10.00 for each additional copy when ordered at the same time. This fee is payable whether or not a record is found. According to NH State Statute, a person making a request for a vital record must be a member of the person's immediate family or have a 'direct and tangible interest' in the record.

Please Note--Effective January 1, 2005 all individuals requesting a certified copy of a record (Pursuant to RSA 5 C-16) must present positive identification, including, but not limited to, a driver's license, passport or other picture identification, or in the absence of acceptable picture identification shall complete the form Documentation Evidence for Individuals not Possessing an Acceptable Picture Identification.

A certificate of rabies vaccination from a licensed veterinarian is required. The fee to register a dog is $6.50 for a spayed or neutered dog and puppies under 7 months and $9 for an unaltered dog. For owners over 65 years old, the registration fee for the first dog is $2; additional dogs of senior owners are at the regular fees.
Renewal of dog license: If the rabies vaccination is still current, it is not necessary to provide a copy of the certificate previously submitted. A new certificate is needed when a new shot is given. Fees are as previously stated. Dog licenses must be renewed by April 30 each year.

Failure to Meet the May 31 Deadline:A late fee of $1 per month per dog is added.

AUTO REGISTRATION & TITLE APPLICATION

New residents have 60 days to register their vehicles in New Hampshire.

Registration renewals are due during the month of your birth if you own your vehicle. The date of registration renewal for leased vehicles is based on the first letter of the company that owns the vehicle; check your registration or inspection sticker for the month you must do the renewal.